Johann Ockenga - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Johann Ockenga
New England Journal of Medicine, 2001
Background The flavivirus GB virus C (GBV-C, also designated hepatitis G virus) was identified in... more Background The flavivirus GB virus C (GBV-C, also designated hepatitis G virus) was identified in a search for hepatitis viruses, but no disease is currently known to be associated with it. We investigated the relation between coinfection with GBV-C and the long-term outcome in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods A total of 197 HIV-positive patients were followed prospectively beginning in 1993 or 1994. Of these patients, 33 (16.8 percent) tested positive for GBV-C RNA, 112 (56.9 percent) had detectable antibodies against the GBV-C envelope protein E2, and 52 (26.4 percent) had no marker of GBV-C infection and were considered unexposed. We assessed the relation between GBV-C infection and the progression of HIV disease. We also tested 169 GBV-C-positive plasma samples with a quantitative branched-chain DNA (bDNA) assay in order to investigate possible correlations between GBV-C viral load and both the CD4+ cell count and the HIV load. Results Among the patients who tested positive for GBV-C RNA, survival was significantly longer, and there was a slower progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Survival after the development of AIDS was also better among the GBV-C-positive patients. The association of GBV-C viremia with reduced mortality remained significant in analyses stratified according to age and CD4+ cell count. In an analysis restricted to the years after highly active antiretroviral therapy became available, the presence of GBV-C RNA remained predictive of longer survival (P=0.02). The HIV load was lower in the GBV-C-positive patients than in the GBV-C-negative patients. The GBV-C load correlated inversely with the HIV load (r=¡0.33, P< 0.001) but did not correlate with the CD4+ cell count. Conclusions Coinfection with GBV-C is associated with a reduced mortality rate in HIV-infected patients. GBV-C is not known to cause any disease, but it is possible that its presence leads to an inhibition of HIV replication. However, GBV-C infection could also be a marker for the presence of other factors that lead to a favorable HIV response.
Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin
ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren häuft sich die Nennung der Nicht-Zöliakie-Gluten-/Weizen-Sen... more ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren häuft sich die Nennung der Nicht-Zöliakie-Gluten-/Weizen-Sensitivität (NCGS, „non celiac gluten sensitivity“) sowohl in den Medien, aber auch in Fachkreisen. Die Existenz und die möglichen verantwortlichen Trigger werden kontrovers diskutiert. Drei internationale Expertentreffen mit Empfehlungen zur NCGS waren nicht unabhängig organisiert und wenig transparent bezüglich potenzieller Interessenkonflikte der Teilnehmer.Die vorliegende Stellungnahme enthält wichtige Überlegungen aus allergologischer und ernährungsphysiologischer Sicht: (1) Aufgrund häufiger Selbstdiagnosen, unklarer Prävalenz und unbestätigter Ätiologie der NCGS sind validierte Diagnosekriterien und/oder verlässliche Biomarker notwendig. (2) Infolge hoher Nocebo- und häufiger Placebo-Effekte konnte Gluten bislang nicht sicher als Auslöser einer NCGS identifiziert werden. Doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte Provokationen (DBPCFC: double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge) sind b...
Allergo journal international, 2018
Within the last decade, non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS) has been increasingly discusse... more Within the last decade, non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS) has been increasingly discussed not only in the media but also among medical specialties. The existence and the possible triggers of NCGS are controversial. Three international expert meetings which proposed recommendations for NCGS were not independently organized and only partially transparent regarding potential conflicts of interest of the participants. The present position statement reflects the following aspects about NCGS from an allergist's and nutritionist's point of view: (A) Validated diagnostic criteria and/or reliable biomarkers are still required. Currently, this condition is frequently self-diagnosed, of unknown prevalence and non-validated etiology. (B) Gluten has not been reliably identified as an elicitor of NCGS because of high nocebo and placebo effects. Double-blind, placebo-controlled provocation tests are of limited value for the diagnosis of NCGS and should be performed in a modified m...
MMW - Fortschritte der Medizin, 2016
BACKGROUND Since the turn of the millennium there has been an alarming increase in the incidence ... more BACKGROUND Since the turn of the millennium there has been an alarming increase in the incidence and severity of clostridium difficile infections. Stopping medication with the triggering antibiotic and switching to a recommended antibiotic leads to healing up in 80%. However, patients who relapse have a 40% risk of an additional relapse and those with 2 or more episodes face a 60% risk. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a new therapeutic option. Up to now there only exist two randomized studies (University of Amsterdam and the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston). METHOD Data from 16 patients with recurrent clostridium difficile infection who had undergone FMT at a local hospital in the city of Bremen, Germany, were reviewed and compared to the results of the 2 randomized studies. RESULTS 11 out of 16 patients got cured after the first FMT (68.75%). The remaining 5 patients received a second FMT, with cure in 3 patients. The overall response rate was 14 from 16 patients (87.5%). CONCLUSIONS In comparison to the response rates of the University of Amsterdam (81.3% after the first and 93.8% after the second FMT) and of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (70% after the first and 90% after the second FMT) we received slightly worse results. But, treatment of notably older patients and intensive care patients in our group explain these findings well. Therefore, we advocate a wide use of FMT for the treatment of recurrent clostridium difficile colitis in non-university hospitals.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 2003
Der Radiologe
Complications of portal hypertension can be treated effectively by the transjugular intrahepatic ... more Complications of portal hypertension can be treated effectively by the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure (TIPS). Indicators for long time survival after TIPS implantation are presented. From September 1992 until May 1995 forty-two consecutive patients (26 male, 16 female) with liver cirrhosis complicated by variceal bleeding (n = 27) or refractory ascites (n = 15) were treated by TIPS implantation and followed up clinically in a prospective, open study. The follow up period range was 5-3278 days. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were applied to determine the correlation between patient characteristics and long term survival after TIPS implantation. The indicators were dichotomized at the median. The outcome variable was dichotomized. Positive outcome was defined as survival longer than three years without liver transplantation, all other outcomes were regarded as negative. Survival rates were determined for all patients and for subgroups according to results of the regression analyses. During follow-up liver transplantation was performed in 8 of the 42 patients. 29 patients died. Mean survival was 1440 (+/-1060) days. Survival after one, two, three and six years was 76% (n = 32), 69%(n = 29), 62% (n = 26) and 38% (n = 16), respectively. The multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant better survival related to a prothrombine time >70%, MEGX synthesis >30 microgram/l, and ICG clearance <13 min. Patients with high ICG clearance (OR = 1.9), high MEGX synthesis (OR = 5.0) or high prothrombine time scores (OR = 5.2) had a significantly longer survival. This survival advantage increased with follow up time. Longterm survival after TIPS implantation is influenced by the initial liver function. This survival advantage increases during follow up and is most pronounced after 6 years.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 2003
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 2015
European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2009
Reduction in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been shown to attenuate pancreatic ... more Reduction in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been shown to attenuate pancreatic stellate cell activation and pancreatic fibrosis and suggested as a potential treatment for chronic pancreatitis. The ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron 16 accounts for nearly half the variation in serum ACE levels. This study determined the frequency of the I/D polymorphism in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. In total, 887 patients (346 with alcoholic, 443 with nonalcoholic, and 98 with acute pancreatitis) were enrolled, and were compared with 1294 healthy controls. Genotyping of the I/D polymorphism was performed by PCR or melting curve analyses. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of the ACE-deletion genotype frequencies when patients with alcoholic (27.5%), nonalcoholic (26.4%), and acute pancreatitis (32.7%) were compared with controls (26.9%). Likewise, allele frequencies of the ACE deletion polymorphism were not significantly ...
BMC gastroenterology, Jan 21, 2005
The proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) was identified as a tumour product in various gastrointesti... more The proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) was identified as a tumour product in various gastrointestinal cancers. A previous study in pancreatic cancer patients suggested PIF expression as a tumour marker, which is not related to tumour size. We hypothesized that PIF could be a useful marker to exclude benign pancreatic tumors, as chronic pancreatitis with a pancreatic mass. Urine of patients with a pancreatic mass of uncertain malignancy was investigated for PIF expression by Western blot. Sufficient urine protein for analysis was available in 59 patients. The diagnosis was established by histology in 54 patients and by follow up in five patients with chronic pancreatitis. In addition, serum CA19-9 was measured. The sensitivity (specifity) for the detection of a malignant pancreatic tumour was 90% (75%) and 54% (71%) for CA19-9 and PIF, respectively. The sensitivity (specifity) for the distinction of pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis was 89% (80%) and 57% (63%) for CA19-9 and...
Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine, 2004
In this review, systematic search of literatures for acute pancreatitis and nutrition was perform... more In this review, systematic search of literatures for acute pancreatitis and nutrition was performed. Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCT) were found. Eight of them are about parenteral or enteral nutrition, 2 are about immunomodulated nutrition, and one is nutritional method in postoperative period. None of these showed benefit of total parenteral nutrition. Moreover, enteral nutrition via nasojejunal tube after 1-2 days after onset or operation of acute pancreatitis showed safe and more effectiveness than parenteral nutrition even in severe cases. These results indicate no benefit of parenteral nutrition in mild to moderate pancreatitis. Early enteral nutrition via nasojejunal tube can be used even in severe cases without ileus or intestinal ischemia.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 1999
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is establis... more Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is established for tumors up to 3 cm. We report on treatment of a multilocular HCC with a maximum size of 4.5 cm. In a 76-year-old woman with a liver cirrhosis (Child C) due to chronic hepatitis C HCC with two nodules (diameter 3.5 cm and 4.5 cm) was diagnosed. Because of the patient's reduced general state of health and the advanced cirrhosis surgical treatment and chemoembolization were declined. The two nodules were treated in ten settings during 15 weeks under ultrasound guidance with 85 ml of 96% ethanol. There were no severe side effects. The patient's general condition improved and serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration decreased from 21,126 to 800 micrograms/l. Seven months after the diagnosis of the HCC she was admitted to another hospital due to a cerebral hemorrhage. A few days later she died because of a pneumonia. In spite of detailed micro- and macroscopically investigation no ...
AIDS (London, England), Jan 12, 1998
Hepato-gastroenterology
Recently it was shown that perihepatic lymphadenopathy (PHL) correlates with histological activit... more Recently it was shown that perihepatic lymphadenopathy (PHL) correlates with histological activity in chronic hepatitis C. However, the question whether there is a correlation between the response to interferon alpha and PHL has not yet been raised. We examined 103 patients who had been treated with interferon alpha for hepatitis C. Prior to treatment all patients had undergone high resolution ultrasonography. Thirty-six patients had follow up ultrasound scans during the course of the treatment. According to size and number of lymph nodes we introduced a grading of the PHL and determined grade I as minimal, grade II as medium and grade III as extensive PHL. Classification of PHL prior to treatment revealed 40 patients with PHL I, 30 with grade II and 33 with grade III. Hepatic inflammatory activity according to the Ishak score was increased in patients with PHL III (9.1+/-2.4) compared to PHL II (6.7+/-2.9) and PHL I (7.3+/-3.1) (p=0.01). In patients with PHL grade I prior to treatm...
New England Journal of Medicine, 2001
Background The flavivirus GB virus C (GBV-C, also designated hepatitis G virus) was identified in... more Background The flavivirus GB virus C (GBV-C, also designated hepatitis G virus) was identified in a search for hepatitis viruses, but no disease is currently known to be associated with it. We investigated the relation between coinfection with GBV-C and the long-term outcome in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods A total of 197 HIV-positive patients were followed prospectively beginning in 1993 or 1994. Of these patients, 33 (16.8 percent) tested positive for GBV-C RNA, 112 (56.9 percent) had detectable antibodies against the GBV-C envelope protein E2, and 52 (26.4 percent) had no marker of GBV-C infection and were considered unexposed. We assessed the relation between GBV-C infection and the progression of HIV disease. We also tested 169 GBV-C-positive plasma samples with a quantitative branched-chain DNA (bDNA) assay in order to investigate possible correlations between GBV-C viral load and both the CD4+ cell count and the HIV load. Results Among the patients who tested positive for GBV-C RNA, survival was significantly longer, and there was a slower progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Survival after the development of AIDS was also better among the GBV-C-positive patients. The association of GBV-C viremia with reduced mortality remained significant in analyses stratified according to age and CD4+ cell count. In an analysis restricted to the years after highly active antiretroviral therapy became available, the presence of GBV-C RNA remained predictive of longer survival (P=0.02). The HIV load was lower in the GBV-C-positive patients than in the GBV-C-negative patients. The GBV-C load correlated inversely with the HIV load (r=¡0.33, P< 0.001) but did not correlate with the CD4+ cell count. Conclusions Coinfection with GBV-C is associated with a reduced mortality rate in HIV-infected patients. GBV-C is not known to cause any disease, but it is possible that its presence leads to an inhibition of HIV replication. However, GBV-C infection could also be a marker for the presence of other factors that lead to a favorable HIV response.
Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin
ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren häuft sich die Nennung der Nicht-Zöliakie-Gluten-/Weizen-Sen... more ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren häuft sich die Nennung der Nicht-Zöliakie-Gluten-/Weizen-Sensitivität (NCGS, „non celiac gluten sensitivity“) sowohl in den Medien, aber auch in Fachkreisen. Die Existenz und die möglichen verantwortlichen Trigger werden kontrovers diskutiert. Drei internationale Expertentreffen mit Empfehlungen zur NCGS waren nicht unabhängig organisiert und wenig transparent bezüglich potenzieller Interessenkonflikte der Teilnehmer.Die vorliegende Stellungnahme enthält wichtige Überlegungen aus allergologischer und ernährungsphysiologischer Sicht: (1) Aufgrund häufiger Selbstdiagnosen, unklarer Prävalenz und unbestätigter Ätiologie der NCGS sind validierte Diagnosekriterien und/oder verlässliche Biomarker notwendig. (2) Infolge hoher Nocebo- und häufiger Placebo-Effekte konnte Gluten bislang nicht sicher als Auslöser einer NCGS identifiziert werden. Doppelblinde, placebokontrollierte Provokationen (DBPCFC: double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge) sind b...
Allergo journal international, 2018
Within the last decade, non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS) has been increasingly discusse... more Within the last decade, non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS) has been increasingly discussed not only in the media but also among medical specialties. The existence and the possible triggers of NCGS are controversial. Three international expert meetings which proposed recommendations for NCGS were not independently organized and only partially transparent regarding potential conflicts of interest of the participants. The present position statement reflects the following aspects about NCGS from an allergist's and nutritionist's point of view: (A) Validated diagnostic criteria and/or reliable biomarkers are still required. Currently, this condition is frequently self-diagnosed, of unknown prevalence and non-validated etiology. (B) Gluten has not been reliably identified as an elicitor of NCGS because of high nocebo and placebo effects. Double-blind, placebo-controlled provocation tests are of limited value for the diagnosis of NCGS and should be performed in a modified m...
MMW - Fortschritte der Medizin, 2016
BACKGROUND Since the turn of the millennium there has been an alarming increase in the incidence ... more BACKGROUND Since the turn of the millennium there has been an alarming increase in the incidence and severity of clostridium difficile infections. Stopping medication with the triggering antibiotic and switching to a recommended antibiotic leads to healing up in 80%. However, patients who relapse have a 40% risk of an additional relapse and those with 2 or more episodes face a 60% risk. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a new therapeutic option. Up to now there only exist two randomized studies (University of Amsterdam and the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston). METHOD Data from 16 patients with recurrent clostridium difficile infection who had undergone FMT at a local hospital in the city of Bremen, Germany, were reviewed and compared to the results of the 2 randomized studies. RESULTS 11 out of 16 patients got cured after the first FMT (68.75%). The remaining 5 patients received a second FMT, with cure in 3 patients. The overall response rate was 14 from 16 patients (87.5%). CONCLUSIONS In comparison to the response rates of the University of Amsterdam (81.3% after the first and 93.8% after the second FMT) and of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (70% after the first and 90% after the second FMT) we received slightly worse results. But, treatment of notably older patients and intensive care patients in our group explain these findings well. Therefore, we advocate a wide use of FMT for the treatment of recurrent clostridium difficile colitis in non-university hospitals.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 2003
Der Radiologe
Complications of portal hypertension can be treated effectively by the transjugular intrahepatic ... more Complications of portal hypertension can be treated effectively by the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure (TIPS). Indicators for long time survival after TIPS implantation are presented. From September 1992 until May 1995 forty-two consecutive patients (26 male, 16 female) with liver cirrhosis complicated by variceal bleeding (n = 27) or refractory ascites (n = 15) were treated by TIPS implantation and followed up clinically in a prospective, open study. The follow up period range was 5-3278 days. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were applied to determine the correlation between patient characteristics and long term survival after TIPS implantation. The indicators were dichotomized at the median. The outcome variable was dichotomized. Positive outcome was defined as survival longer than three years without liver transplantation, all other outcomes were regarded as negative. Survival rates were determined for all patients and for subgroups according to results of the regression analyses. During follow-up liver transplantation was performed in 8 of the 42 patients. 29 patients died. Mean survival was 1440 (+/-1060) days. Survival after one, two, three and six years was 76% (n = 32), 69%(n = 29), 62% (n = 26) and 38% (n = 16), respectively. The multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant better survival related to a prothrombine time >70%, MEGX synthesis >30 microgram/l, and ICG clearance <13 min. Patients with high ICG clearance (OR = 1.9), high MEGX synthesis (OR = 5.0) or high prothrombine time scores (OR = 5.2) had a significantly longer survival. This survival advantage increased with follow up time. Longterm survival after TIPS implantation is influenced by the initial liver function. This survival advantage increases during follow up and is most pronounced after 6 years.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 2003
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 2015
European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2009
Reduction in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been shown to attenuate pancreatic ... more Reduction in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been shown to attenuate pancreatic stellate cell activation and pancreatic fibrosis and suggested as a potential treatment for chronic pancreatitis. The ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron 16 accounts for nearly half the variation in serum ACE levels. This study determined the frequency of the I/D polymorphism in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. In total, 887 patients (346 with alcoholic, 443 with nonalcoholic, and 98 with acute pancreatitis) were enrolled, and were compared with 1294 healthy controls. Genotyping of the I/D polymorphism was performed by PCR or melting curve analyses. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of the ACE-deletion genotype frequencies when patients with alcoholic (27.5%), nonalcoholic (26.4%), and acute pancreatitis (32.7%) were compared with controls (26.9%). Likewise, allele frequencies of the ACE deletion polymorphism were not significantly ...
BMC gastroenterology, Jan 21, 2005
The proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) was identified as a tumour product in various gastrointesti... more The proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) was identified as a tumour product in various gastrointestinal cancers. A previous study in pancreatic cancer patients suggested PIF expression as a tumour marker, which is not related to tumour size. We hypothesized that PIF could be a useful marker to exclude benign pancreatic tumors, as chronic pancreatitis with a pancreatic mass. Urine of patients with a pancreatic mass of uncertain malignancy was investigated for PIF expression by Western blot. Sufficient urine protein for analysis was available in 59 patients. The diagnosis was established by histology in 54 patients and by follow up in five patients with chronic pancreatitis. In addition, serum CA19-9 was measured. The sensitivity (specifity) for the detection of a malignant pancreatic tumour was 90% (75%) and 54% (71%) for CA19-9 and PIF, respectively. The sensitivity (specifity) for the distinction of pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis was 89% (80%) and 57% (63%) for CA19-9 and...
Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine, 2004
In this review, systematic search of literatures for acute pancreatitis and nutrition was perform... more In this review, systematic search of literatures for acute pancreatitis and nutrition was performed. Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCT) were found. Eight of them are about parenteral or enteral nutrition, 2 are about immunomodulated nutrition, and one is nutritional method in postoperative period. None of these showed benefit of total parenteral nutrition. Moreover, enteral nutrition via nasojejunal tube after 1-2 days after onset or operation of acute pancreatitis showed safe and more effectiveness than parenteral nutrition even in severe cases. These results indicate no benefit of parenteral nutrition in mild to moderate pancreatitis. Early enteral nutrition via nasojejunal tube can be used even in severe cases without ileus or intestinal ischemia.
Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie, 1999
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is establis... more Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is established for tumors up to 3 cm. We report on treatment of a multilocular HCC with a maximum size of 4.5 cm. In a 76-year-old woman with a liver cirrhosis (Child C) due to chronic hepatitis C HCC with two nodules (diameter 3.5 cm and 4.5 cm) was diagnosed. Because of the patient's reduced general state of health and the advanced cirrhosis surgical treatment and chemoembolization were declined. The two nodules were treated in ten settings during 15 weeks under ultrasound guidance with 85 ml of 96% ethanol. There were no severe side effects. The patient's general condition improved and serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration decreased from 21,126 to 800 micrograms/l. Seven months after the diagnosis of the HCC she was admitted to another hospital due to a cerebral hemorrhage. A few days later she died because of a pneumonia. In spite of detailed micro- and macroscopically investigation no ...
AIDS (London, England), Jan 12, 1998
Hepato-gastroenterology
Recently it was shown that perihepatic lymphadenopathy (PHL) correlates with histological activit... more Recently it was shown that perihepatic lymphadenopathy (PHL) correlates with histological activity in chronic hepatitis C. However, the question whether there is a correlation between the response to interferon alpha and PHL has not yet been raised. We examined 103 patients who had been treated with interferon alpha for hepatitis C. Prior to treatment all patients had undergone high resolution ultrasonography. Thirty-six patients had follow up ultrasound scans during the course of the treatment. According to size and number of lymph nodes we introduced a grading of the PHL and determined grade I as minimal, grade II as medium and grade III as extensive PHL. Classification of PHL prior to treatment revealed 40 patients with PHL I, 30 with grade II and 33 with grade III. Hepatic inflammatory activity according to the Ishak score was increased in patients with PHL III (9.1+/-2.4) compared to PHL II (6.7+/-2.9) and PHL I (7.3+/-3.1) (p=0.01). In patients with PHL grade I prior to treatm...